Library's `Ranch' Set Up To Inspire Kids To Read

July 07, 1997|By MARIE K. SHANAHAN; Courant Staff Writer

WINDSOR — In an effort to entice more children to read this summer, the children's department of the Windsor Public Library has transformed itself into a ``Reading Ranch,'' complete with cowboy hats, cactuses and a pony express.

For every book a child checks out this summer, he or she will get one opportunity to ride ``Page,'' a mechanical horse the library has set up in a mini-corral in the children's department.

``Since we got the horse last week, we've given more than 300 rides,'' said Barbara Tolve Silver, a children's librarian.

On the south side of the children's section, the image of a letter-carrying cowboy on a horse is pasted against the wall. That's the pony express, Silver said.

``The children are asked to keep track of how many minutes they read per day, and every minute counts as a mile for the pony express,'' she said. ``He's already been to California and back.''

The child who reads the most each day is awarded by having his or her name posted in a special place of honor on the wall.

``We're finding these are ways to encourage more reading, that are fun, too,'' Silver said.

The library has also created a read-off competition between the kids and adults. Known as the ``Bean Pot Challenge,'' children are advised to put a bean in a designated pot in the children's section for every book they read this summer. Adults are asked to do the same for every book, magazine or newspaper they read.

On Sept. 2, the beans will be counted and the truth will be known about who really does the most reading in town.

Other Reading Ranch activities this summer include:

* All That Glitters:Bill Selig, local jewelry designer and store owner, will present a series of programs Wednesday about gold mining, panning for gold, gold and silver jewelry, and the influence of the Wild West on the jewelry worn today. Programs will be at 10 a.m. for first and second graders, 2 p.m. for third graders and above, and 7 p.m. for all ages.

* Gallop around the Green:Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages are invited to dress in their best cowboy hats, boots and western wear and come to the town green July 15 at 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, most huggable stick horse and the classiest carriage.

* Western Wear Workshop: Children in kindergarten through grade 3 are invited to create their own western attire from the materials provided on July 23 at 1:30 p.m. The class will be taught by Maureen Sullivan and Linda Fellows.

* Cactus Caper: Children entering grade four and above will have the opportunity to create their own western cactus and then plant it in a dish decorated with colored sand designs July 23 at 3 p.m.

* Adventures by the Book: Children of all ages who have participated in the library's summer reading program are invited to a special western show by musician and puppeteer John Fogarty on Aug. 12 beginning at 7 p.m.